defender choices

[griff]

was wondering if anyone had any views over the respective merits (and faults?) of the 200tdi vs 300tdi defender.

I have an option on either at present

Replies appreciated
Griff

[daddylonglegs]

The 200tdi's have better hubs ,axles and cv joints, the 300's have a slightly better gearbox but all the afore mentioned bits are crap.
Actually if you have the option of an Isuzu deisel County then that is what I would get, even at the same price as the Defenders.
Bill.

[Nick (in the Falklands!)]

...(IMHO)....The 200 is a slightly noisier clattery engine & smokes like hell on cold startup, but the majority have the turbo come on the boil sooner than the 300...& it stays on longer too; the 300's take some keeping stirred-up, resulting in a slightly raised noise level, they are further forwards in the engine bay meaning more weight over front axle when combined with a winch....& there was a series of them with a weak timing belt system...

I'd love to see what the Brazilian 2.8l version of the engine is like tho...

(Its got a long-stroke crank.....so its probably a little more Perkins-like..

[griff]

cheers for he info so far, what are the suspensions like on these, wrt wear, do they essentialy need an upgrade as per patrols and cruisers, or is the standard system more sag resistant than its jap counterparts?

griff

[daddylonglegs]

Generally the suspension system, links, bushings etc are relatively long lasting and if you have the appropiate springs for the load you generally carry they will be fine too. I suppose shocks would be the weak point. The old English Woodhead brand used to last for ages, but defenders use Munroe/Woodhead which are not as good.
If you are after more articulation, check the relevant threads on this forum.

Bill.